Florence’s airport is located approximately 10 kilometers North-West of the historic center of the city.

 Let’s start with the name

Florence’s airport is known as Peretola Airport although its real name is “Amerigo Vespucci Airport (FLR)”. This name was chosen to honor the great 15th century Florentine navigator and explorer Amerigo Vespucci. He explored the coasts of South and Central America in at least two documented expeditions. His detailed travel reports were published and broadly circulated in Europe, helping to spread the idea that the discovered lands were a new continent. Thus it was that the cartographer Martin Waldseemüller, in 1507, chose to call the new world “America” in honor of Vespucci.

Expansion projects

So even if the name of the airport is very ambitious, its dimensions are the not. It still remain a small airport. However, given the growing demand and strategic importance of the city, Florence has ambitious plans for its expansion and enhancement.
It is precisely in recent months that an extraordinary project has been presented.
Florence is preparing to become home to the first airport in the world to host a rooftop vineyard! A surprising project signed by the international studio Rafael Viñoly Architects which will feature a vast 7-hectare vineyard, managed by a renowned Tuscan producer.
The vineyard will consist of 38 rows of vines, which will produce the airport’s wine. The grapes will be harvested and the wine will refine in the underground cellars, an integral part of the hub itself.
In addition to the vineyard, the project includes a series of improvements and expansions to the Florence airport, including new arrival and departure spaces, seven parks around the facility and student accommodation. The terminal will be designed according to “Leed Platinum” green building standards, demonstrating the airport’s commitment to respect for the environment and sustainability.

The new terminal, covering 538,195 square metres, is expected to welcome more than 5.9 million international passengers per year, creating a vital transport hub in the region.
The project includes a number of key infrastructure improvements. The reorientation of the existing runway, rotated 90 degrees will allow greater operational capacity for modern aircraft. Furthermore, the lengthening of the runway will ensure the safety and efficiency of flights.
In terms of design, the new airport aims to create a sense of piazza (the living space for all Italians) and enhance the passenger experience. Arranging arrivals and departures facing each other, across a central “plaza-like” public space, will streamline circulation in and out of the terminal. This space will also provide access to public transport, parking and shopping, serving both the local community and travellers.
The project will be implemented in two phases, with the first phase completed by 2026 and the second by 2035. This visionary initiative will not only represent a benchmark for the sustainable future of Florence airport, but will also contribute to strengthening the heritage culture and the city’s reputation as an important transport and tourism centre.
It will be something truly unique and so different that it will be legitimate to ask: does Florence have an airport? Because ours will be something very different.

How to reach the center of Florence

For those arriving at Florence airport and wishing to reach the city centre, there are several transport options available. One of the most common options is using taxi services. The fare for the city center is set at €25.00 each way.
Alternatively it is possible to use the tram. Thanks to its frequency and its extensive network, it represents an ideal option for exploring Florence in a comfortable and sustainable way. This modern transport system offers an efficient and convenient service for travelers arriving and departing from the airport, allowing them to easily reach the Santa Maria Novella train station and the historic center in approximately 20 minutes of travel.

Florence airport hotels

As for accommodations, there are numerous hotels options located near the Florence airport, offering comfort and convenience for travellers. One of these is the Hotel Mirage or the Hotel Novotel Firenze Nord Aeroporto.
But I remind you that the center of Florence is only about 20 minutes away and that in the center of the city there are many offers suitable for all budgets. I remind you that the tram arrives at the Santa Maria Novella station where there are not only many hotels but also many other services such as restaurants, bars, clubs and shops.
Florence is a small city and fortunately the airport is really close!

In conclusion, Florence has an airport that not only serves as a gateway for arriving and departing travellers, but is also at the center of expansion projects that aim to improve and enhance its infrastructure. With efficient transport options to reach the city center and a variety of hotels nearby, Florence Airport offers a warm and convenient welcome to those wishing to explore this wonderful Tuscan city and its timeless cultural riches